Social Approach Contributions to Society

Social Identity Theory(Tajfel) suggests that prejudice comes from peopleidentifying with their in-groupand to raise their own self-esteem and that of their in-group theydiscriminate against they out-group. The theory suggests that they shouldmerge into one in-group to reduce prejudice.

Social Conflict Theory(Sherif) suggests that prejudice comes from acompetition between the two groupsbecause of afight over resourcesand to reduce prejudice the two groupsshould work together towards a common goal.

It applies to real life asfootball hooliganismis a problem,combining teams(i.e. England instead of Premier League),reducing prejudice as everyone is working towards a common goal. Also, not wearing team shirts would reduced discrimination as groups cannot be identified.

Strengths

Sherif(1954) study - 2 groups had to work together to solve a common problem, out of this friendships developed,prejudice was reduced. This was afield experiment, sovariables were controlled, leading tocause and effect conclusions…